Kanchanjunga Express crash reason identified goods train driver among dead | News from India

Around sixty people are believed to be injured and are being treated in local hospitals. The guard of the passenger train was also among the dead.

Kanchanjunga Express accident rescue operation completed

Although the express train was packed with passengers, many of whom were likely tourists visiting the hill station, officials noted that a lower death toll was expected because two of the three derailed compartments were carrying cargo.

The rescue operation is now complete. Previously, there were fears that several people were trapped in the mangled coaches.

PM Modi, Murmu offer condolences and compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu offered their condolences to the bereaved families. The Prime Minister's Office also announced compensation of Rs 200,000 for the relatives of the deceased while Rs 50,000 will be paid to those who were injured in the accident.

Ashwini Vaishnaw visits West Bengal

Railways Minister Ashiwini Vaishnaw had earlier said a rescue operation was underway on a “war footing”. He goes to the scene of the accident to take stock of the situation.

Earlier, videos and photos shared by locals were widely shared on social media platforms, showing a compartment of the passenger train suspended in the air due to the collision while freight train carriages fell around the tracks .